PKU Blank Stare Contest---regaining inner peace in IT-dominated era
May 19, 2015
Peking University, May. 4, 2015: The “Blank Stare Contest” kicked off in front of the Centennial Hall of PKU on the day of Cultural Festival of the Student Associations. Due to its novelty and very attractive prizes, the event drew wide attention and participation among students and staff.
In front of the Centennial Hall
The contest, hosted by Kung Fu Scholar Association, aims to promote the philosophy of slow-paced life in the hustle and bustle of modern life. It encourages people to take more idle moments from time to time to empty their mind instead of drowning themselves in their busyness 24/7.
More than 180 contestants participated in the contest, among whom not only are students, but also prestigious teachers and staff. During the two-hour competition, contestants were asked to sit still in their designated area in front of the Centennial Hall and any kind of facial expressions or body movements, like laughing or speaking, will signal their knockout. They are however allowed to bring books or anything that could help them daze. Organizers will go around trying to distract contestants by telling jokes, singing or making faces.
Contestants in daze
The Blank Stare Competition is devised to help people cope with the pressure and fast pace of modern life. The technological innovations, computers and cell phones in particular, bring us conveniences but at the same time, make our life more fragmented. It is now rare for people to have two hours of inner peace without intrusion from the outside world. The event aims to remind people to concentrate more on their inner world and be aware of the side effects of the modern technological devices.
Translated by: Li Xiaowei
Edited by: Xiao Chunliang
Source: Kung Fu Scholar
